Looking for an All-rounder Gravel/Cyclocross

[vickster]

Merida own a large stake in Specialized

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merida_Bikes

 

[S-Express]

Why do you say it doesn't matter?
Not looking for an argument - just curious.

The process of laying up the carbon and putting it into an autoclave is probably the least critical part of the manufacturing process these days. The important bits are the R&D, testing and quality control, which (unless the frame is an open mould design) is still the domain of the brand holder. So where the frames are actually made - and by whom - is no longer as important as it used to be. If it ever was important.

 

[Oldfentiger]

The process of laying up the carbon and putting it into an autoclave is probably the least critical part of the manufacturing process these days. The important bits are the R&D, testing and quality control, which (unless the frame is an open mould design) is still the domain of the brand holder. So where the frames are actually made - and by whom - is no longer as important as it used to be. If it ever was important.

Thanks for the explanation.

 

[S-Express]

Thanks for the explanation.

Another example - that's an SWM in your avatar pic right? Austrian Rotax engine, Acerbis plastics (I think), Bing carb, Akront rims, Grimeca hubs, Marzocchi suspension(?), the only thing SWM did was bolt it all together and stick their logo on the tank. Still great bikes though

 

[Oldfentiger]

Another example - that's an SWM in your avatar pic right? Austrian Rotax engine, Acerbis plastics (I think), Akront rims, Grimeca hubs, Marzocchi suspension(?), the only thing SWM did was bolt it all together and stick their logo on the tank. Still great bikes though

I'm impressed with your knowledge.
We ought to give them credit for the frame though.

 

[S-Express]

I'm impressed with your knowledge.
We ought to give them credit for the frame though.

Actually, I'm not sure they made the frame either

I think the frames were outsourced to the same company that also made frames for Villa, Italjet, Gori, Puch, Aprilia, TM, Ancilotti and all those other wonderful boutique Italian off-road brands from the 70s/80s. From memory, I think the company was called 'DM' but I'm not sure...

 

[Oldfentiger]

OK, I surrender.
And hope someone will get this thread back on track

 

[S-Express]

OK, I surrender.
And hope someone will get this thread back on track

Apologies

I've restored a few Italian dirt bikes over the years (Villa, Gilera, HMT/AMR) as well as plenty of non-Italian ones, and acquired a lot of info during my desperate search for NOS parts - it's actually quite theraputic discussing it...!

Two bikes I always wanted but was never lucky enough to acquire were a Puch F3 and an 81 SWM MC250 (TF6 I think). Maybe one day..

 

[dr snuggles]

I've only seen the bike up at £999, with the TRP Spyre, did you get full hydros ? I like the look of the green colour. I'm hoping to visit an independent Bike Shop tomorrow to have a look at the ORRO.

Yes full 105 with hydraulics was what I was after and I couldn't pass on the Orro at that price ( I paid £1100). I did see the standard version with the spyre's for £899 somewhere but looking I don't see it at that price now. Still excellent value for £999 I reckon.
Dunno where abouts in Yorkshire you are but I think Blue Giraffe are in Middlesbrough and they are prepared to haggle. I know cos before I bought mine they told me they had a special edition coming in and were negotiable on price!

 

[G3CWI]

I have a Boardman CX Team 2016. It's quite new to me (about a week old - 100 miles done - about half off road). It's a comfortable ride and easily takes guards (I have the SKS Chromos). I bought mine from Halfords and it was not set up right. I took it back and they actually managed to make it worse. I now have it with my local LBS who know what they are doing. In essence the brakes needed adjusting or bleeding. I like the bike but it will not be going back to Halfords for any further things. It's quite a heavy bike.

 

[vickster]

I have the 2014, sub 11kg, not heavy at all for a bike of its ilk (and cost under £500)

 

[outlash]

I had a CAADX and your right the Promax brakes are a weak point but can be improved by fitting linear cables, the CAADX was a good bike but I got knocked off it and replaced it with this

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/show-us-your-titanium.56645/post-4376382 post #589

It will bust your £1000 budget but worth it, I did 100+ on it a few week since with a lot of off road, very comfortable, I think 100 on the CAADX would have left me shattered

Interesting, I would have had the CAADX tagged as much more of an all rounder than my new crosser (Fuji Cross 1.3). It's a more comfortable road bike with a more upright position. I did a fair few miles on it when it was doing winter road bike duties for a couple of years and never had any problems with comfort.

 

[Kajjal]

If you want to take it off road think about what size tyres you can fit and if possible get reasonable quality hydraulic disc brakes. Also think about the gearing you need.

My Diverge works well on and off road but will only allow up to around 33mm tyres if you allow for mud.

 

[Venod]

Interesting, I would have had the CAADX tagged as much more of an all rounder than my new crosser (Fuji Cross 1.3). It's a more comfortable road bike with a more upright position. I did a fair few miles on it when it was doing winter road bike duties for a couple of years and never had any problems with comfort.

The CAADX was a bit harsh compared to the On One,( Aluminium v Titanium ) also it was a size too small (a bargain I couldn't resist) I would have another, it was only the brakes that let down but sorted with proper cables.

 

[Leeb]

I had a CAADX and your right the Promax brakes are a weak point but can be improved by fitting linear cables, the CAADX was a good bike but I got knocked off it and replaced it with this

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/show-us-your-titanium.56645/post-4376382 post #589

It will bust your £1000 budget but worth it, I did 100+ on it a few week since with a lot of off road, very comfortable, I think 100 on the CAADX would have left me shattered

Is that the titanium Pickenflick?, looks tasty either way. They do have some nice bikes at Planet X